Abstract: Treatment methods for reduction of (1?3)-?-D-glucan leachables from cellulose-containing filter materials are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods including the steps of providing a cellulosic biomass, associating the cellulosic biomass with an organic liquid to form a mixture, treating the mixture to reduce the moisture content of the mixture to 30% or below (if necessary), and processing the mixture to produce cellulose nanofibrils in a slurry. In some embodiments, provided methods allow for the production of high solids content slurries containing 4% or more cellulosic nanofibrils.

Abstract: The invention relates to temporary cross-linked cellulose ethers, a process to make them, as well as their use to influence the rheological profile of an aqueous medium in which they are dissolved. The temporary cross-linked cellulose ethers are characterized in that they are cellulose ethers that are Cross-linked with at least one or more compounds of the formula (C1-4 alkyl)-OC(O)CHOHO—(C1-4 alkyl).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modifying nanofibrillar cellulose composition, comprising—preparing fibrous dispersion of ionically charged nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC), and—applying heat treatment at a temperature of at least 90° C. to the fibrous dispersion until the viscosity of NFC starts to decrease. The viscosity of the heat-treated NFC is reversible by applying shear forces to the NFC.

Abstract: Disclosed is an agricultural composition comprising at least one agricultural chemical and at least one cellulose ether, wherein the cellulose ether is a nonionic methylethylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MEHEC) polymer as well as a method for reducing spray drift during the spraying of an aqueous solution. The method comprises combining the MEHEC polymer with at least one agricultural chemical to obtain the aqueous solution and spraying the aqueous solution. Also disclosed is a method for increasing resistance to rain wash off of an aqueous solution sprayed onto a surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry or slurry process to prepare phosphate-crosslinked cellulose ethers from a cellulose starting material comprising the steps of adding an alkalizing agent to the cellulose starting material to achieve mercerization, adding an etherifying agent to the reaction mixture to achieve etherification of the cellulose, and adding a crosslinking agent to the reaction mixture to achieve crosslinking of the cellulose, wherein at least part of the alkalizing agent is added to the cellulose starting material before the etherification and/or crosslinking reactions take place to obtain alkalized cellulose; the crosslinking agent and the etherifying agent are added one after the other in random order or simultaneously; the crosslinking agent is an alkali metal thmetaphosphate; and the crosslinking and etherification steps are performed at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a process for manufacturing a fibrillated cellulose powder suitable for being dispersed in an aqueous medium, comprising a step of adding a monovalent salt to a fibrillated cellulose suspension, followed by a lyophilisation step.

Abstract: The present technology provides processes for cross-linking cellulose ethers under mild conditions. The processes include exposing a substantially dry cellulose ether film to a polyisocyanate to provide a cross-linked cellulose ether film, wherein the substantially dry cellulose ether film comprises alkoxide groups on the cellulose. The resulting cellulose ether films are highly cross-linked by polyurethane linkages and may be used as membranes in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures including hydrophobic microparticles comprising a positively charged polymer (e.g. a polysaccharide such as chitosan) non-covalently bound to an anionic or non-ionic surfactant such as lecithin. The mixtures are useful for reducing cholesterol of an animal, for example a bird such as a chicken or any type of mammal. Methods of manufacture and use of the mixtures are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of alkali cellulose for the production of alkali cellulose and, optionally, cellulose ethers from cellulose in the presence of alkali and, if applicable, with alkylating and/or hydroxyalkylating agent(s) comprising the reaction of a cellulose with an alkali metal hydroxide, wherein the alkali metal hydroxide is mixed with cellulose in a mixing apparatus, the mixing apparatus (1) having an upper region (20, 102a, 202a) with a first cross-section and a lower region (21, 102b, 202b) with a second cross-section, the second cross-section being the same as or smaller than the first cross-section and comprising at least one non-horizontally oriented mixing device (23, 27, 121, 221, 224).

Abstract: A method for processing fibril cellulose which is in the form of aqueous fibril cellulose gel includes lowering the pH of the aqueous fibril cellulose gel to provide aqueous fibril cellulose gel of reduced water retention capacity, and dewatering the aqueous fibril cellulose gel of reduced water retention capacity to provide dewatered fibril cellulose. The dewatering is performed by pressure filtration.

Abstract: Reduction of the energy burden in a step of drying hydrous low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC), reduction of water content of a cake obtained by dehydration, and others are targeted. More specifically, provided is a method for dehydrating hydrous L-HPC with a compression type dehydrator by feeding the hydrous L-HPC to a screw conveyer connected to the inlet of the dehydrator, including steps of: starting the operation of the conveyer to fill the conveyer and the dehydrator with the hydrous L-HPC, starting the operation of the filled dehydrator, and feeding the hydrous L-HPC to the conveyer, while discharging dehydrated L-HPC from an outlet of the dehydrator, wherein a feed rate of feeding the hydrous L-HPC to the conveyer is equal to a discharge rate of discharging the dehydrated L-HPC in terms of net weight of cellulose ether, and a method for producing L-HPC by using the above method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing an aqueous gel of nanofibrillar cellulose by removing water from the aqueous gel by means of an organic solvent miscible with water. In the method: aqueous gel is introduced into a volume of organic solvent miscible with water in a controlled manner so that the aqueous gel is kept as a separate phase and forms discrete physical entities containing the nanofibrillar cellulose within the phase; water is changed with the organic solvent in said discrete physical entities of nanofibrillar cellulose; and the physical entities are separated from the volume of organic solvent.

Abstract: A binder for an electrode of a lithium battery, and a lithium battery containing the binder. The binder includes: a carbon nanotube; and a polymer chemically bonded to the carbon nanotube, and thus may form a conducting path by improving dispersion of the carbon nanotube. Accordingly, the binder may have high capacity and improve the lifetime of the lithium battery.

Abstract: A water-soluble cellulose ether is separated from its suspension by passing a suspension of water-soluble cellulose ether particles in water through a filter of perforated metallic or ceramic filter medium under pressure, removing the filter cake of water-soluble cellulose ether from the filter medium, and cleaning the filter medium with steam, compressed air or water under pressure. The invention enables to separate a water-soluble cellulose ether, especially having a high dissolution temperature, avoids the filter from being clogged, and extends the operative time of the filter.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of manufacturing an eye lens material having a process in which a phosphorylcholine group-containing chemical compound represented by the following formula (1) is reacted and covalently bonded to the surface of an eye lens material having hydroxyl groups wherein the chemical compound represented by the following formula (2) is reacted and covalently bonded through ester-bonding to the eye lens material in an organic solvent. The object of the present invention is to provide an eye lens material that prevents protein adsorption and a method of manufacturing thereof.

Abstract: Compositions comprising carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, bi-functional PEG molecules are attached to adjacent CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. Additional embodiments include PEG/CMC compositions where the PEG is a multi-branch PEG and/or a multi-arm PEG. PEG/CMC compositions can be made with desired viscoelastic properties, and such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, drug delivery vehicles or lubrication of tissues and medical instruments.

Abstract: A description is given of glyoxal-treated polysaccharide derivatives which, to decrease the unbound glyoxal, are treated with an aqueous solution of one or more water-soluble aluminium salts, or one or more water-soluble borates, or a combination of one or more water-soluble aluminium salts and one or more water-soluble borates, and, if appropriate, with suitable buffer substances to set the pH, and then dried. A description is likewise given of a process for decreasing the content of unbound glyoxal in glyoxal-treated polysaccharide derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of preparing hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivatives having improved enzymatic resistance. In particular, the present invention relates to a process of preparing hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivatives by reacting cellulose and ethylene oxide in the presence of alkali metal hydroxide, wherein the reaction between cellulose and ethylene oxide is performed in the presence of isopropyl alcohol azeotropic solvent in a horizontally agitated reactor, wherein the ethylene oxide is supplied via two steps, thus resulting in a two-step reaction, and the amount of alkali metal hydroxide remaining after the first reaction is controlled, thereby enabling to provide hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivatives having improved enzymatic resistance and turbidity and to remarkably decrease the solvent usage to have economical and environmental advantages.

Abstract: Manufactured hyaluronic acid products are used in numerous surgical applications including viscoelastic supplementation for the treatment of osteoarthritis, however, traditional sterilization techniques result in the breakdown of such high molecular weight viscoelastic biopolymers and are thus unsuitable. Disclosed are processes for obtaining concentrated sterile solutions of high molecular weight biopolymers such as hyaluronic acid. The processes include filter sterilization with a dilute preparation of the biopolymer, and concentration of the dilute filter sterilized biopolymer by ultrafiltration to a desired concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry or slurry process to prepare phosphate-crosslinked cellulose ethers from a cellulose starting material comprising the steps of adding an alkalizing agent to the cellulose starting material to achieve mercerization, adding an ethehfying agent to the reaction mixture to achieve etherification of the cellulose, and adding a crosslinking agent to the reaction mixture to achieve crosslinking of the cellulose, wherein at least part of the alkalizing agent is added to the cellulose starting material before the etherification and/or crosslinking reactions take place to obtain alkalized cellulose; the crosslinking agent and the etherifying agent are added one after the other in random order or simultaneously; the crosslinking agent is an alkali metal thmetaphosphate; and the crosslinking and etherification steps are performed at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A process is described for the continuous preparation and/or workup of polysaccharide derivatives by reaction and/or conditioning in a suspension with liquid reaction partners, in which, in accordance with FIG. 1, a) a preferably pumpable suspension stream of solids SE and liquid phase LE, if appropriate preheated to 185° C.

Abstract: A description is given of glyoxal-treated polysaccharide derivatives which, to decrease the unbound glyoxal, are treated with an aqueous solution of one or more water-soluble aluminium salts, or one or more water-soluble borates, or a combination of one or more water-soluble aluminium salts and one or more water-soluble borates, and, if appropriate, with suitable buffer substances to set the pH, and then dried. A description is likewise given of a process for decreasing the content of unbound glyoxal in glyoxal-treated polysaccharide derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nanoparticles based on cellulose and a process for producing them and their use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a simple and new method for the homogeneous synthesis of cellulose ethers. Ionic liquids are not only used as solvent, but also as reaction media for the homogeneous etherification of cellulose. The dissolved cellulose is treated with the etherification agent in the absence of organic and/or inorganic bases and in the absence and/or in the presence of moderate amounts of water. The obtained cellulose ethers show new distributions of substitution on the polymer chain, resulting in new properties and applications.

Abstract: Water-soluble or water-dispersible matrix, made of a polysaccharide modified under an electron beam with an organosilicon compound chosen from organosilanes and/or polyorganosiloxanes having at least one functional group capable of reacting and/or interacting with said polysaccharide. Use of the matrix as stabilizing agent in the preparation of simple emulsions, in particular of the water-in-oil type, or multiple emulsions, in particular of the water-in-oil-in-water type.

Abstract: Proposed is a novel soluble trauma-healing and hemostatic cellulose fiber capable of absorbing and readily dissolving hemorrhaging trauma loci when applied thereto and of promoting the hemostatic action of blood platelets and fibrin and cell adhesion to the trauma site. The coagulation protein-containing soluble trauma-healing and hemostatic cellulose fiber is produced in that after treatment of a natural or regenerated cellulose fiber with an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, said fiber is carboxymethylated by reaction with a monochloro acetic acid solution for a given time (hours) in such a manner that the degree of partial substitution of the glucose units constituting the cellulose molecule (etherification degree) is 0.5-less than 1.0% and that, furthermore, the coagulation proteins fibrinogen, thrombin, and coagulation factor XIII are imparted by surface application or chemical bonding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonionic methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose ether having a flocculation temperature of 70-95° C., a DS-methyl of 0.1-0.8 and a DS-ethyl of 0.1-0.7. The cellulose ether has versatile properties and may be used as a thickening agent or a rheology modifier in an aqueous formulation, such as an aqueous latex-containing paint composition. A process for manufacturing the cellulose ether is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether is characterized in that when 3 pbw of the nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether is added to a mixture of 90 pbw of cordierite, 10 pbw of ordinary Portland cement, and 33 pbw of water, immediately followed by kneading at 20° C. and 20 rpm, a maximum torque for kneading is reached within 180 seconds from the addition. It is suitable as an admixture for extrudable hydraulic compositions. The hydraulic composition to which the inventive admixture is added can be kneaded within a brief time into a uniform mass which is smoothly extrudable.

Abstract: A nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether is characterized in that when 3 pbw of the nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether is added to a mixture of 90 pbw of cordierite, 10 pbw of ordinary Portland cement, and 33 pbw of water, immediately followed by kneading at 20° C. and 20 rpm, a maximum torque for kneading is reached within 180 seconds from the addition. It is suitable as an admixture for extrudable hydraulic compositions. The hydraulic composition to which the inventive admixture is added can be kneaded within a brief time into a uniform mass which is smoothly extrudable.

Abstract: A process for the production of dual-functional ion exchange resins from lignocellulosic agricultural material involving anionization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with citric acid and then cationization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) and choline chloride, or cationization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with DMDHEU and choline chloride and then anionization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with citric acid.

Abstract: A resin composition, which comprises a biodegradable polymer and a biodegradable liquid crystalline polymer. The resin composition is useful for producing molded resin articles having good recyclability.

Abstract: Alcohol based hydraulic fracturing fluids useful for treating oil and gas wells are disclosed. The fluids are compatible with carbon dioxide, and comprise an alcohol, a polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a breaker. Hydroxypropyl guar with a molar substitution of about 1.2 to about 2.2 is identified as a presently preferred polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purification method of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate, more particularly to a method of preparing high-purity hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate through a simple crushing process which comprises: increasing fluidity of reaction product mixture by adding fluidization solvent as a post-treatment process; and spraying it into water through a spray nozzle. As a result, formation of fine granular hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate particles prevents inter-particle coagulation during the a post-treatment process, and phthalic anhydride reactant, free phthalic acid and remaining acetic acid solvent can be removed effectively.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that the solution rheology of cellulose ethers prepared from cellulose pulp is altered by mercerizing and recovering cellulose pulp before preparing the cellulose ethers. For example, the solution viscosity of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) produced from mercerized and recovered cellulose pulp is significantly greater than that produced from non-mercerized cellulose pulp. The present invention provides a method of preparing cellulose ethers comprising the steps of (a) obtaining mercerized and recovered cellulose pulp, and (b) converting the mercerized and recovered cellulose pulp into the cellulose ethers. According to one embodiment, the cellulose pulp is southern softwood kraft and the mercerized cellulose pulp has a TAPPI 230 om-89 viscosity of at most 12 cP. This method, however, may be applied to all cellulose pulps, regardless of their viscosities, including those which, when mercerized, have a viscosity greater than 12 cP.

Abstract: A process for preparing cellulose ethers having delayed dissolution in water is described. The process comprises: (a) treating a moist cellulose ether with a solution comprising a dialdehyde; (b) adding an aqueous salt solution to the moist cellulose ether, such that said cellulose ether has a pH of from 6.0 to 8.0, the aqueous salt addition being performed at least one of, (i) prior to step (a), (ii) concurrently with step (a), and (iii) subsequent to step (a); and (c) drying and comminuting the treated cellulose ether of step (b). The cellulose ether, or mixtures of cellulose ethers, prepared by the method of the present invention may be used as protective colloids, thickeners and adhesives.

Abstract: Provided is an agent serving as a binder and a disintegrant for dry direct compression having a high binding property and fluidity. More specifically, provided are low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having coiled fibers; an agent serving both as a binder and a disintegrant for dry direct compression and a solid preparation, each comprising the low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose; and a process for producing the low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having coiled fibers.

Abstract: A water-soluble cellulose ether is selected by judging whether the number of undissolved fibers having a size of 16–200 ?m is up to 350 fibers/2 ml in a 0.1 wt % aqueous solution of the cellulose ether at 25° C. This water-soluble cellulose ether forms an aqueous solution which can be filtered without clogging and can form a very thin film without defectives.

Abstract: Described is a building material composition prepared from or having added thereto a particulate material selected from particulate polysaccharides or particulate polysaccharide derivatives. The particulate material of the building material composition is prepared by a method comprising: (a) forming a feed composition comprising a member selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives, and 35 wt. % to 99 wt. % of water, based on the total weight of the feed composition, wherein said member is at least one of swelled and dissolved in the feed composition; (b) contacting, in a mill, the feed composition with a gas stream, thereby converting simultaneously the water of said feed composition into water vapor, and said member of said feed composition into a solid state form of finely particulate material; (c) separating the particulate material from the gas stream; and (d) optionally drying the particulate material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble ionic cellulose ethers from the group of the hydroxyalkylcelluloses which are substituted by on average from 0.001 to 1.0 alkyl group per anhydroglucose unit and which carry from 0.01 to 0.1 sulfoalkyl group per anhydroglucose unit, to processes for preparing them and to the use of water-soluble ionic cellulose ethers from the group of the hydroxyalkylcelluloses which are substituted by on average from 0.001 to 1.0 alkyl group per anhydroglucose unit and which carry from 0.01 to 0.4 sulfoalkyl group per anhydroglucose unit as protective colloids in polymerizations.

Abstract: A method for forming II-type cellulose, which comprises introducing together a slurry having water and a I-type cellulose dispersed therein and water in the state of high temperature and high pressure to a tubular reactor (28) contacting the I-type cellulose with a hot water in a supercritical state or subcritical state for a predetermined time in the tubular reactor (28), to thereby cleave a part of the hydrogen bonds in the I-type cellulose and dissolve the I-type cellulose into the water in a supercritical state or subcritical state, cooling a cellulose solution discharged from the tubular reactor (28) in a cooler (30) to room temperature or lower, followed by allowing to stand, to thereby precipitate crystals of II-type cellulose having a molecular weight lower than that of the I-type cellulose, and separating the resultant II-type cellulose from a solvent. The method allows the preparation of pure II-type cellulose by the use of a simple process.

Abstract: In a cellulose acylate solution, cellulose acylate is dissolved in an essentially non-chlorinated solvent. The essentially non-chlorinated solvent is a mixture of a ketone having a solubility parameter of 19 to 21 and an ester having a solubility parameter of 19 to 21. The solution further contains a releasing agent.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having a molecular weight of at least 800, containing at least 5 aldehyde groups per molecule and at least 1 carboxyl group per molecule, the ratio of aldehyde groups to carboxyl groups being higher than 0.75:1, as a wet strength additive. The invention also discloses novel cationic derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a cellulose polymer having a water retention property, and good feeling upon use when applied to the skin and being suitably used as a carrier. More specifically, provided is a low-substituted cellulose ether powder comprising primary particles wherein at least 95% by weight of the primary particles have an aspect ratio of 1.0 to 1.5. Also provided is a production process of a low-substituted cellulose ether powder having a molar substitution degree of 0.05 to 1.0, comprising, during or after the addition of an acid to an alkali solution of low-substituted cellulose ether to neutralize the solution, triturating a resulting mixture; and spray-drying a resulting dispersion. Further provided is a production process of a low-substituted cellulose ether powder having a molar substitution degree of 0.05 to 1.0, comprising shear-triturating a low-substituted cellulose ether powder in water so as to swell-disperse the powder and spray-drying a resulting dispersion.

Abstract: A method for the depolymerization of cellulose ethers by acid oxidative decomposition. Ground and dried cellulose ether is exposed to gaseous acid or is sprayed with an acid solution. It is brought into contact with an oxidizing agent or an oxidizing agent solution, and depolymerized at temperatures in the range from 50 to 120° C. over a period in the range from 0.01 to 10 hours. The acid is subsequently neutralized by adding a base. The water content of the reaction mixture does not exceed 10% by weight during depolymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering cellulose ethers from aqueous solutions, particularly from the washing media obtained in the purification of crude cellulose ethers.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a multifunctional additive involving irradiating raw cotton plant material with an electron beam source, continually blending the raw cotton plant material during the irradiating and micronizing the irradiated cotton plant material. The invention is improved wherein the irradiating and blending of the raw cotton plant material is performed while the raw cotton plant material is in rope form. Irradiated rope is suitably tensioned before micronizing to compensate for degradability of the rope incurred during irradiation.

Abstract: A water-soluble cellulose ether is selected by judging whether the number of undissolved fibers having a size of 16-200 &mgr;m is up to 350 fibers/2 ml in a 0.1 wt % aqueous solution of the cellulose ether at 25° C. This water-soluble cellulose ether forms an aqueous solution which can be filtered without clogging and can form a very thin film without defectives.

Abstract: A process is described for the continuous preparation and/or workup of polysaccharide derivatives by reaction and/or conditioning in a suspension with liquid reaction partners, in which, in accordance with FIG.

Abstract: A method of making cellulose polymer solution comprises dissolving a cellulose polymer raw material in a chlorine-free organic solvent system under a high temperature and a high pressure condition belonging to the nearcritical or the supercritical region of the system. By removing the solvent from the thus obtained cellulose polymer solution, cellulose polymer powders are also produced.